We recently connected with Alyssa Chisolm and have shared our conversation below.

Alyssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I was working at a commission based salon, and felt I had reached a ceiling there. I knew I desired more for my career, and had not lost the spark to eventually run my own business. I had built up a fairly full and consistent clientele, and decided that without a risk, there cannot be change and growth. So I started researching business model options as an independent stylist. I found a business that offers salon suite rentals, and set up a tour. I knew at the end of my tour, that this was the place I desired to go. I was informed by the landlord that the suites rent out fairly quickly, so if I was interested, I needed to make a quick decision. I trusted the risk, and gave my deposit.

I had given myself a time limit on when I wanted to be up and operating, as I had a lot of behind the scenes tasks to handle, and there was a date I needed to take possession of the salon suite. I spent a week researching what was legally needed to open up my business, and applied for all the licensing as well as the rights to the salon name.
Next was needing funds to purchase all of my licensure, as well as purchasing and ordering every single thing in order to open and operate a working salon. I extended my credit card limit, and opened a business banking account. I can say with pride that I personally paid for every penny to start this business.

I was still working at the previous salon full-time, so I used most evenings and every weekend to set up my spot. I informed my clients of my move, and was greeted with nothing but joy and support. After a month and a half of prep work, I opened the doors to The Pearl Chair on July 9th 2018, with a full clientele to start.

Alyssa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up, I had always enjoyed playing around with my own hair and makeup. It was a beautiful creative outlet for me. My freshman year of higschool, I narrowed down my desired career pathway, and chose to go to Cosmetology school after graduating in 2009. I attended my local community college, as they offered a wonderful Cosmetology/Barbering program, and it allowed me to obtain an associates degree alongside my cosmetology licensure. The endless opportunities I was learning about in this industry sparked my desire to eventually become my own boss. The freedom of managing my own schedule and obligations was so appealing.

After graduating college in 2012, and receiving my license that June, I started my first hair stylist job as a commission stylist in a very high end local hotel. The environment was beautiful and prestigious, but with the flow of out of town travelers as my salon guests, it was incredibly hard to build up a consistent clientele. I stayed at that salon for one year, and decided it would be in my best interest to find a stylist position somewhere that would be easier for me to build consistency with the same clients.

I found an hourly stylist position that allowed for a bit more consistent growth, and I knew it was a stepping stone leading me to my next move. After 3 years, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to become a stylist at a well known local commission based salon. They have multiple locations around the city, as well as a few out of state. There was a higher prestige with this salon, and it felt like the next stepping stone to elevate my craft and hone in on the direction I wanted my career to go. This salon has a wonderful reputation, and I knew the opportunities I desired would become a reality as stylist there. This salon presented me with countless amazing opportunities for continuing hair education, travel, business education, etc.

After 3 years, I had reached a place where I felt the commission based business model had peaked for me. It felt like I had reached the ceiling, even though I knew I had so much more growth and elevation to be had. I had built up a very full and consistent clientele, and decided it was time to take a big career leap.

I took a very scary risk, and in 2018 made the decision to leave that salon and start my own hair salon business. I decided to go the path of renting a salon suite, as the convenience of the business model made the transition feel smooth. Every single one of my clients joined me on my new business venture. I am still an independent stylist and really enjoy the experience of running a one woman ship. It has already been 4 years since I opened the doors to The Pearl Chair, and every year I have continued to grow in clientele and business. As of October of this year, I have just reached my highest growth in financial numbers for the business.

I truly enjoy working one on one with individuals. There is something incredibly special about the trust that I feel my guests have placed in me. We often joke in my salon space that this is not just a hair appointment, its “hairapy”. I take great pride in the relationships I have built with my guests.. Most of my current clients have seen me through my business model change, from commission to operating my own salon. It has been so incredible to build even further with their continued support.

I offer haircut and coloring services, along with basic facial waxing. I really enjoy hair coloring, and mostly focus on blonding and easy-to-maintain looks, but I do love to dip into fantasy colors. My guests often express to me that they truly appreciate the time and detail I intentionally give each of our appointments. My desire is to always remind my guests that I would not be here without their support, and it truly means so much to have their trust in my craft. I love the instant change and gratification that comes with being a hairstylist. I feel that quite a few careers aren’t a business which allows for that to be instantanious. Nothing makes me happier than to see each of my guests walk out of my salon with a bit more confidence and self assurance. It’s such a privilege for me. I truly love what I do.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Staying consistent. As the CEO, manager, and employee of my business, I wear multiple hats all of the time. I’ve researched and learned a lot about how to be and stay consistent in communication, honesty, productivity, boundaries, and realistic expectations. I truly believe 90% of the reason a guest does not return to a hairstylist is because they’ve felt they were no longer being treated with a new and exciting approach, and/or their stylist lacked consistency on the delivery from start to finish for their service. Full transparency is needed when it comes to the reality of an outcome. Some services can be done in one appointment, some may need multiple visits, and some expectations need to be fully shifted into a new idea, as it’s not realistic for that guest. Under promise and over deliver.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth. I truly enjoy every single one of my guests, and a referral from them has been the best way to grow my clientele. My guests are my walking billboard, and when one refers someone they personally know, it sets up an experience that feels like we are already a little familiar with each other.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: the.miss.lyss

Image Credits
Headshot-Samantha Adams